Mystery Picture #58

R. Bessin, University of Kentucky Entomology

R. Bessin, University of Kentucky Entomology

Novice

Expert

Novice

Adult Soldier Beetles are usually found on flowers and plants, where they eat pollen and nectar. Some beneficial species also eat aphids. Soldier beetle larvae are more secretive than the adults. They spend most of their time crawling on the ground underneath leaves and logs. Although most of the soldier beetles that people find in our area are orange, some species are black and look very similar to lightningbugs.
For more information on soldier beetles, check out our EntFact 625 - Soldier Beetles.

Expert

Striking black spots on fluffy white wings give the Leopard Moth its name. These insects are found in many parts of the world. The larvae, which bore into tree trunks, are occasional pests of fruit crops. The adult moths are active in the late summer and do not feed.